Arthur Medworth Ferguson

Arthur Medworth Ferguson: A Medal of Honor Hero of the Philippine-American War

Crawling beneath an enemy-held bridge to examine its defenses and later charging an opposing force alone, Arthur Medworth Ferguson demonstrated extraordinary courage in two separate actions during the Philippine-American War. His bravery earned him both the Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross.

Born on 11 December 1877 in Coffey County, Kansas, Ferguson entered federal volunteer service with the 20th Kansas Infantry during the Spanish-American War in 1898. The regiment subsequently deployed to the Philippines, where it became involved in fighting against Filipino forces seeking independence.

On 26 April 1899, near Calumpit, Corporal Ferguson undertook an exceptionally dangerous reconnaissance. He worked his way through the iron structure beneath a damaged bridge, approaching enemy positions to obtain information about the crossing and its defenses. His actions were subsequently recognized with the Distinguished Service Cross under War Department General Orders No. 126 of 1919.

By September 1899, Ferguson was serving as a first lieutenant with the 36th Infantry, United States Volunteers. On 28 September, near Porac, Luzon, he charged an enemy force alone and captured an opposing captain. He received the Medal of Honor on 8 March 1902 for this remarkable act of personal gallantry.

An additional engagement at Lubao on 29 October 1899 was cited in a 1902 congressional record of brevet nominations, providing further evidence of his combat distinction.

Ferguson continued his military career after the Philippine fighting. War Department records establish an assignment to the Mexican border beginning in November 1916. During World War I he also served in important training and administrative roles, including instructional assignments and service connected with the War Department. His later career included work at the General Service Schools at Fort Leavenworth, where he contributed to military education and the development of instructional publications.

Ferguson attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. He died on 20 February 1923, aged 45, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section 3, Grave 4016.

His legacy rests not only on two exceptionally high American gallantry decorations, but also on his later contributions to the education and administration of the United States Army.

Official Medal of Honor citation

“Charged alone a body of the enemy and captured a captain.”